In the realm of behavior management and crisis intervention, the concept of low arousal strategies has gained prominence as a practical and compassionate approach. It focuses on proactively reducing stressors and fostering self-regulation, especially in individuals facing challenging behaviors or with conditions such as autism spectrum disorders. This blog post explores the fundamental principles of low arousal strategies and how they can be applied to support individuals in a holistic and effective manner.
The Core Principles of Low Arousal
At its core, low arousal is about recognizing that certain behaviors are the result of stress and attempting to mitigate these stressors. Instead of reacting to challenging behaviors with confrontation or punishment, this approach involves understanding and addressing the root causes of the behaviors. Let’s delve into some key principles:
- Reducing Demands: Low arousal strategies start with proactively reducing demands that may cause stress for the individual. This could involve simplifying tasks, providing clear instructions, or adjusting the environment to minimize sensory overload.
- Coping Mechanisms: Individuals are encouraged to engage in coping mechanisms to self-regulate. These mechanisms can vary widely, from engaging in repetitive activities to sensory self-soothing. The goal is to enable the individual to manage their stress and anxiety in a healthy manner.
- Flow States: Low arousal strategies draw inspiration from the concept of ‘flow states.’ These states are achieved through repetitive and engaging activities, leading to decreased arousal and reduced stress levels. Creating opportunities for individuals to experience flow can be a powerful tool in behavior management.
A Systemic Approach
Managing stress and implementing low arousal strategies involves collaboration among various stakeholders, including teachers, support workers, parents or caregivers, and the school as a whole. This systemic framework of support enables co-production and regulation, ensuring that all components work together to reduce stress for the individual.
The Impact of Stress on Environments
It’s essential to recognize that stress is a transactional phenomenon. The stress levels of teachers, family members, and support workers can significantly impact the environment and their relationship with the individual. Low arousal strategies emphasize shifting the focus from one’s own stress to that of the individual. This shift in perspective can be transformational in managing challenging behaviors.
Stress in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Stress has been identified as a significant factor in behaviors of concern, particularly in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The transactional model of stress, as described by Lazarus and Folkman, highlights the complex interaction between an individual and their environment, which is particularly relevant in the context of autism.
Understanding the Individual
Young people, especially those with autism, may perceive the world as chaotic, demanding, and stressful. Identifying the specific stressors in an individual’s environment and how they cope with them is a crucial part of creating a support plan. Often, challenging behaviors serve as coping mechanisms, and taking them away without providing an effective alternative can exacerbate the individual’s stress.
Low arousal strategies are a compassionate and effective approach to managing behavior and crisis situations, particularly in individuals with autism spectrum disorders or other developmental challenges. By proactively reducing demands, understanding coping mechanisms, and fostering flow states, we can provide the support needed for individuals to self-regulate and reduce their stress. It’s a systemic approach that involves the collaboration of all stakeholders, with an emphasis on shifting the focus from one’s own stress to that of the individual. By implementing these principles, we can create a more supportive and empathetic environment that helps individuals thrive.